Articles in Healing Gaia

Protect Groundwater from New Bottled Water PermitsWater is a basic human right but, with a new provincial government that believes Ontario is open for business, access to water for the common person just became that much more precarious. by Doreen NicollPublished November 02, 2018 in Healing Gaia (3 comments)

What is Democracy? at TIFFInstead of providing easy answers, What Is Democracy? reminds us that wrestling with ideas is central to the ongoing struggle to rule ourselves. by Doreen NicollPublished September 10, 2018 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Free Public Workshops at Urquhart Butterfly GardenThroughout the summer, the Urquhart Butterfly Garden runs a series of free one-hour public workshops each Saturday from August 4 to September 8, starting at 11:00 AM sharp. by Doreen NicollPublished July 25, 2018 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

The Monarchs Thank youThe City of Burlington has updated their Lot Maintenance By-Law to protect milkweed, a native plant that is imperative to the lifecycle of monarch butterflies. by Doreen NicollPublished July 10, 2018 in Healing Gaia (2 comments)

Burlington Should Legalize Native Flower SpeciesThe City of Burlington is insisting that residents destroy a native plant that is imperative to the lifecycle of monarch butterflies. by Doreen NicollPublished July 03, 2018 in Healing Gaia (2 comments)

Human Rights for All - No ExceptionsPlease Join us on Tuesday, July 3 from 7 to 9:00 PM at Mississauga Central Library to learn more about what Amnesty International is doing to promote universal human rights. by Doreen NicollPublished June 29, 2018 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

Bush Lady by Alanis Obomsawin to be Re-IssuedThe rare, long out-of-print album has been remastered and is being released on 180-gram vinyl and CD with updated artwork and liner notes on June 15 by Doreen NicollPublished May 29, 2018 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Skewed Media Coverage of Intimate Partner ViolenceIn addition to sensationalizing the murder while downplaying the fact that it involved an intimate partner, the woman who has been slain is often lost in the reporting. by Doreen NicollPublished March 19, 2018 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Petition to Acknowledge Indigenous History in Canadian CitizenshipA new petition calls on the Federal Government to redesign the Canadian Citizenship study guide to acknowledge Indigenous treaty rights and to education new Canadians on the effects of colonialism. by Doreen NicollPublished December 12, 2017 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

Matt Nethersole: Acha BachaNethersole acknowledges we're living in hyper-racialized times and that makes it imperative to humanize all people, including those with different gender identities, through theatre and art. by Doreen NicollPublished November 30, 2017 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

An Evening of Discussion on Violence Against WomenThe Women's Centre of Halton and Grandmothers Advocacy Network are hosting three short films followed by discussion on Thursday, November 30. by Doreen NicollPublished November 27, 2017 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

I AM Affected Campaign Follow-upThe hope is to undertake the process of healing settler and Indigenous relationships through public sharing, apology, and commemoration that acknowledge and redress past harms. by Doreen NicollPublished November 17, 2017 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

I AM Affected Campaign LaunchTo help settlers understand the ongoing effects of the Residential School System on survivors, their families, their communities and Canadian society, Hamilton Community Legal Services is launching the I AM Affected Campaign. by Doreen NicollPublished October 13, 2017 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Tell the Government to Ratify Bill 26Add your voice to the parliamentary committee reviewing the Domestic and Sexual Violence Workplace Leave, Accommodation and Training Act to help improve it and save a woman's life. by Doreen NicollPublished July 20, 2017 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

Interview with Alanis ObomsawinObomsawin's documentaries are a bridge to creating truthful reconciliation between our settler Nation and First Nations, Metis and Inuit Nations. by Doreen NicollPublished July 04, 2017 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Give Us Something to CelebrateIt's time to not only become an ally of the first inhabitants of this great land, but to work towards meaningful reconciliation with the true founding nations of this land. Then we will have something to celebrate. by Doreen NicollPublished June 29, 2017 in Healing Gaia (5 comments)

A Better ManThis remarkable documentary explores the damage caused to both the abused woman and her abusive partner by his acts of violence. by Doreen NicollPublished June 08, 2017 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Stop Line 10 PipelineStand in solidarity with Todd Williams in his peaceful protest against Enbridge. Show your support for Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination. Stand up for your community and your environment. by Doreen NicollPublished April 24, 2017 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

Ontarians Want to Protect Fresh WaterMark World Water Day by taking steps to protect Canada's fresh water from corporate bottled-water exploitation. by Doreen NicollPublished March 22, 2017 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Educating Girls to Achieve EqualityBecause we know educated girls grow into empowered women, ONE is asking you to join them to help get every girl into school and to make sure she gets a quality education once she's there. by Doreen NicollPublished January 26, 2017 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Christmas 2016 Wish Listonsider for one moment how differently things could have played out for Nuseiba Hasan and Elana Fric-Shamji, and her three children, if just one person had spoken up in time. by Doreen NicollPublished December 24, 2016 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

Remembering the Montreal MassacreIt's time to share the story with all of our children so they know the truth and so that history does not repeat itself. by Doreen NicollPublished December 07, 2016 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

The Theatre of LifeIn a world where 1.3 billion tons of food are thrown away annually, Theatre of Life raises awareness about the enormous environmental and human impacts of food waste. by Doreen NicollPublished December 02, 2016 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

UN is Telling Canada to Improve Gender EqualityThis week the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women called on the federal, provincial and territorial governments to establish a comprehensive National Gender Equality Plan addressing the barriers to women's equity in by Doreen NicollPublished November 28, 2016 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Orange the World to End Violence Against Women and GirlsThis Friday marks the start of the United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, from International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25 to Human Rights Day on December 10. by Doreen NicollPublished November 23, 2016 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Movies and Books that Explore and Illustrate Woman AbuseLet's discuss some documentaries, movies, plays and books that illustrate the complexities of woman abuse, which really hinges on an abuser's need to maintain power and control over their intimate partner. by Doreen NicollPublished November 08, 2016 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Aboriginal Women and Woman Abuse Prevention MonthAboriginal people believe it takes five generations to fix mistakes. There's no time like the present to acknowledge Canada's role in creating a country that often sees women, and especially Aboriginal women, as disposable and less than deserving. by Doreen NicollPublished November 04, 2016 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Parliament Votes on Election Candidate Gender Equity BillBill C-237 will be voted on today. Unfortunately, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called on his government to vote against adopting Kennedy Stewart's private member's bill. by Doreen NicollPublished October 19, 2016 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Support Bill to Give Domestic Violence Victims Time Off WorkEvery member of the provincial legislature should vote in favour of Bill 26 because it moves women in Ontario closer to the goal of being able to live without the fear of violence. by Doreen NicollPublished October 18, 2016 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

World Food Day: Climate is ChangingWorld Food Day is a stark reminder that simply producing more food, or wasting less of what we produce, will never get food into the mouths and bellies of those who desperately need it yet can't afford to grow or buy it. by Doreen NicollPublished October 14, 2016 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

We Are Still Making the Same Mistake With First Nations ChildrenAs a nation we have the opportunity and obligation to put an end to the discrimination that keeps on reserve children and youth from receiving the services available to all other children all across Canada. by Doreen NicollPublished October 13, 2016 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

We Can't Make the Same Mistake TwiceAlanis Obomsawin's latest project documents the nine-year legal saga that pitted Indigenous Canadians against the Harper government over the deplorable quality of services provided to children and youth on reserve. by Doreen NicollPublished September 26, 2016 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

FoodShare: Bite-Sized Servings of Social JusticeFoodShare is a food hub that advocates for establishing sustainable, healthy, inclusive and resilient communities with equitable access to nutritious and culturally appropriate vegetables and fruits. by Doreen NicollPublished June 23, 2016 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Review: The WitnessBefore she was made into an icon for bystander apathy, Kitty Genovese was a colourful, vivacious, multifaceted human being. by Doreen NicollPublished June 16, 2016 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

Review: The ApologyThe Apology offers insightful glimpses into the lives of "comfort women" who were systematically abducted, tortured and raped by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. by Doreen NicollPublished May 06, 2016 in Healing Gaia (3 comments)

Sexual Assault and the Neurobiology of TraumaThe information presented by Diana Tikasz should be mandatory for all police officers, lawyers, and judges throughout Canada. by Doreen NicollPublished March 24, 2016 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

Domestic Violence in the WorkplaceCompassionate leave is one way for government, employers, co-workers and society to support those living with, and leaving, abuse. Ongoing education, advocacy and support in workplaces is another important piece. by Doreen NicollPublished March 23, 2016 in Healing Gaia (2 comments)

The War at HomeLet's have uncomfortable conversations about the hidden wars being waged in our homes and let abusive men know that this war is coming to an end. by Doreen NicollPublished March 17, 2016 in Healing Gaia (2 comments)

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women National Inquiry RecommendationsThis inquiry provides Canada the opportunity to remedy one more atrocity endured by generations of Indigenous peoples. It's time to listen to those with lived experience, because we only have one chance to make amends. by Doreen NicollPublished February 26, 2016 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Unintended Consequences of Mandatory Charging for Domestic AbuseDomestic violence is not as straightforward as the statistics lead you to believe, especially when abusive men manipulate a variety of systems put in place to safeguard their victims. by Doreen NicollPublished February 03, 2016 in Healing Gaia (3 comments)

Women Wrongfully Charged With Partner AssaultThe policy of mandatory police charging in domestic abuse, which was put in place to protect women, is now often being used against them. by Doreen NicollPublished January 19, 2016 in Healing Gaia (10 comments)

Issue Two Health Cards for Children of Divorced parentsPremier Kathleen Wynne espouses values of conciliation and inclusiveness. Here's the chance to put those beliefs into practice to ensure a better future for all of our children. by Doreen NicollPublished January 07, 2016 in Healing Gaia (6 comments)

Providing a Brighter Future for All Ontario ChildrenChild support is the right of the child. A parent can't contract out of a child's support with the other parent. Likewise, the provincial government should not be allowed to take this money from children whose custodial parent receives social assistance. by Doreen NicollPublished January 04, 2016 in Healing Gaia (3 comments)

Christmas Wish List: End Child Poverty in CanadaEnding child poverty means ending poverty in Canada. To be effective, the entire family needs to live well enough above an established poverty line in order to be able to afford the necessities of life, have a cushion for emergencies and a few treats once by Doreen NicollPublished December 14, 2015 in Healing Gaia (2 comments)

Time to Close the Gender Pay GapApril 20, 2015 was last year's Equal Pay Day for Ontario. This illustrates how far into the current year women must work in order to earn the same amount men earned the previous calendar year. by Doreen NicollPublished November 26, 2015 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

Colour My World Orange!Today is the official launch of the United Nation's Orange the World Campaign to end violence against women. by Doreen NicollPublished November 25, 2015 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Decent Work Hard to Find in Non-Profit SectorNon-profit agencies provide the critical services so vital to creating an equitable society. Because of the role they play, non-profit workers deserve special attention. by Doreen NicollPublished November 23, 2015 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

Nirbhaya! Raise Your Hand and be Silent No MoreNirbhaya was inspired by a brutal gang rape in India but it also draws extensively from the lived experiences of the extraordinary cast putting faces and voices to this global human rights issue. by Doreen NicollPublished November 19, 2015 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

This Monday, Vote for Positive ChangeCanada has become a very different country under Stephen Harper. It's no longer the country we knew and loved. But together we can change this. by Doreen NicollPublished October 16, 2015 in Healing Gaia (20 comments)

Time is Right for a Guaranteed Livable IncomeA guaranteed annual income for all Canadians is an affordable and highly cost-effective way to ensure a basic quality of life for all Canadians. by Doreen NicollPublished October 08, 2015 in Healing Gaia (7 comments)

Fighting Against Alberta's Child Support ClawbacksIt's outrageous to expect a beneficiary to repay a lump-sum debt on child support which should never have been clawed back in the first place. by Doreen NicollPublished October 02, 2015 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Amnesty International's Global Day of Action to Decriminalize AbortionEvery woman and girl has the right to make decisions regarding her body, health, education, sexuality and reproductive life without fear of coercion, criminalization or discrimination by their religious organization, government, community, or family. by Doreen NicollPublished September 28, 2015 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

Class Action Suit Will Raise Children Out Of PovertyOn September 4, 2015, human rights lawyer Eric Letts filed a class proceeding against the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services to ensure lone custody parents on social assistance will receive their child support payments. by Doreen NicollPublished September 18, 2015 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Post-Secondary Education A Crucial Election IssuePostsecondary education and skills training is essential to Canada's long-term economic, environmental and social health. That's why it's imperative that we have a federal government that's willing to assume a leadership role and demand progressive change by Doreen NicollPublished September 15, 2015 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Canadians Need a National Housing StrategyYork University's Homeless Hub estimates an investment of $44 billion, or $2.04 per person per week, over the next decade would not only end homelessness in Canada, but make more affordable housing available to more Canadians. by Doreen NicollPublished September 01, 2015 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Vote to End Misogyny in CanadaThe International Women's Rights Project has created a voters guide on women's issues for the 2015 Federal election in Canada. by Doreen NicollPublished August 24, 2015 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

Women's Shelters and Transitional Housing Need More SupportCanadians deserve better funding of emergency and second stage shelter services. They also deserve a national housing policy to address affordable and safe housing for all Canadians. The icing on the cake would be a national action plan on violence agains by Doreen NicollPublished June 22, 2015 in Healing Gaia (2 comments)

Yes, Canada Did Commit Cultural GenocideVictors write the history books, but they forget that memories are long and passed from generation to generation. by Doreen NicollPublished June 11, 2015 in Healing Gaia (7 comments)

Who Will You Help?Changing our culture of patriarchy and misogyny will require education paired with new laws and more stringent enforcement of existing policies. by Doreen NicollPublished May 29, 2015 in Healing Gaia (2 comments)

This is What a Feminist Looks LikeThere has always been a segment of the male population that has openly supported and promoted gender equity. What's needed now is wholesale buy-in. by Doreen NicollPublished May 27, 2015 in Healing Gaia (15 comments)

Native Women's Voices Silenced by Federal GovernmentIt's not only time for an inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women, it's also time for an enquiry into why services benefiting this marginalized segment of society are being cut. by Doreen NicollPublished May 21, 2015 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

No Means NoNot all men are rapists. However, there is a pervasive culture of gendered violence that is acceptable among some men. by Doreen NicollPublished May 11, 2015 in Healing Gaia (21 comments)

One Is Too Many!In 80 percent of sexual assaults, the perpetrator is someone the survivor knew and trusted. This can lead to self-doubt, questioning of judgment and self-blame by the survivor. by Doreen NicollPublished May 04, 2015 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

No One Asks For It!Acknowledging that sexual assault happens is a first step toward addressing this issue. by Doreen NicollPublished April 28, 2015 in Healing Gaia (75 comments)

Get Dirty This Earth DayGetting rid of your grass may seem insignificant, but the ripple of improved soil health, reduced water, air and noise pollution along with expanded genetic diversity will have far reaching effects. by Doreen NicollPublished April 20, 2015 in Healing Gaia (3 comments)

Community Supported Agriculture in HamiltonCSAs are a partnership. Consumers support the local men and women who feed us every day by sharing the risks as well as celebrating the times of plenty. by Doreen NicollPublished March 30, 2015 in Healing Gaia (6 comments)

Celebrate World Water DayCanada is home to 7 percent of the world's fresh water, yet we have few laws to protect it. by Doreen NicollPublished March 19, 2015 in Healing Gaia (0 comments)

India's Daughters and Canada's DaughtersThe gang-rape and murder of Jyoti Singh has provoked global outrage over the failure of police and judicial systems to protect women and ensure their human rights. by Doreen NicollPublished March 11, 2015 in Healing Gaia (4 comments)

International Women's Day 2015On March 8, do something special for all of the women and girls in your life. Make sure the issues affecting 52 percent of Canadians are up for debate. by Doreen NicollPublished February 27, 2015 in Healing Gaia (3 comments)

Have a Heart on Family DayThe intention behind the ODSP was admirable. Unfortunately, it has evolved into a system that penalizes recipients and makes it extremely difficult to form long term relationships or support families. by Doreen NicollPublished February 12, 2015 in Healing Gaia (5 comments)

Killed Puppy Part of a Common PatternIntimate partners and ex-partners will use any means to exert power and control over their victims. Children and pets are not immune from the violence. by Doreen NicollPublished February 04, 2015 in Healing Gaia (4 comments)

Confronting the Challenges of Elder AbuseThe situation of a rapidly aging population brings with it a whole new set of challenges for individuals, their families and society. by Doreen NicollPublished February 03, 2015 in Healing Gaia (5 comments)

Movies that Foster Gender Equity, Part 2Women have a wealth of knowledge and life experience. Telling their stories through movies is one way to help foster positive attitudes of gender equality. by Doreen NicollPublished January 22, 2015 in Healing Gaia (2 comments)

Movies that Foster Gender EquityThese movies help move us closer to breaking down female stereotypes while creating a much more equitable image of women. by Doreen NicollPublished January 15, 2015 in Healing Gaia (4 comments)

If a Change is Gonna Come, We Have to Work For ItThe struggles of the civil rights movement epitomized by Selma, the treatment of Indigenous women in Canada, and the plight of millions of women worldwide are intersecting at the point of inherent patriarchal power and control. by Doreen NicollPublished January 13, 2015 in Healing Gaia (3 comments)

16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against WomenWomen's rights are human rights. This simple idea needs acknowledgement here at home and globally if we are ever going to eradicate gendered violence. by Doreen NicollPublished December 01, 2014 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

November is Woman Abuse Awareness MonthMost men are not abusive, but we need to get all young boys and men involved if we're going to be successful in eliminating woman abuse. by Doreen NicollPublished October 28, 2014 in Healing Gaia (7 comments)

OW/ODSP Clawbacks Hurt Abused WomenIt's election time. Which candidates are willing to help the most vulnerable members of our society by implementing necessary changes to our social assistance programs? by Doreen NicollPublished May 28, 2014 in Healing Gaia (10 comments)

Overcoming Abuse and TraumaThis remarkable young woman is putting a face and a very strong voice to the issues of abuse and trauma. by Doreen NicollPublished May 16, 2014 in Healing Gaia (3 comments)

World Water Day on Saturday, March 22World Water Day reminds us that water, food, energy and sustainability are all interconnected. by Doreen NicollPublished March 20, 2014 in Healing Gaia (1 comment)

Inspiring Celebrations of International Women's DayInternational Women's Day may be over for 2014, but I'm looking forward to the time when women and men will sit together at the table with no one sitting apart or behind. by Doreen NicollPublished March 11, 2014 in Healing Gaia (2 comments)

Help End Honour Based ViolenceHonour-based violence and killings differ from domestic violence because the community knows and supports it. by Doreen NicollPublished February 27, 2014 in Healing Gaia (3 comments)

Celebrate International Women's DayWomen at the Centre invites everyone to join the campaign to eradicate violence against women. by Doreen NicollPublished February 26, 2014 in Healing Gaia (2 comments)